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USCIS Announces End of COVID-Related Flexibilities

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Summary

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that certain COVID-related flexibilities will end on March 23, 2023. Applicants and petitioners must respond to notices or requests dated after March 23 by the deadlines listed in the notice or request. Certain case-by-case flexibilities may still be available in the event of an emergency or unforeseen circumstance. The flexibilities regarding reproduced signatures first announced on March 20, 2020 became policy as announced on July 25, 2022.

Q&As

What are the flexibilities USCIS announced in March 2020?
The flexibilities USCIS announced in March 2020 include Requests for Evidence, Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14), Notices of Intent to Deny, Notices of Intent to Revoke, Notices of Intent to Rescind, Notices of Intent to Terminate regional centers, Notices of Intent to Withdraw Temporary Protected Status, and Motions to Reopen an N-400 Pursuant to 8 CFR 335.5, Receipt of Derogatory Information After Grant.

What is the deadline for responding to USCIS notices or requests?
The deadline for responding to USCIS notices or requests is March 23, 2023.

Is USCIS able to provide certain flexibilities on a case-by-case basis?
Yes, USCIS is able to provide certain flexibilities on a case-by-case basis.

What type of emergency or unforeseen circumstance can cause USCIS to provide case-by-case flexibilities?
USCIS can provide case-by-case flexibilities for applicants or petitioners affected by an emergency or unforeseen circumstance, such as natural catastrophes (hurricanes, wildfires, severe weather, etc.), national emergencies (public health emergencies), or severe illness (including COVID).

When did the flexibility regarding reproduced signatures become policy?
The flexibility regarding reproduced signatures became policy on July 25, 2022.

AI Comments

👍 USCIS has provided clear information on the upcoming end of COVID-related flexibilities and has announced the availability of remaining case-by-case flexibilities if needed.

👎 USCIS has announced the end of COVID-related flexibilities and has placed a deadline on responding to notices or requests from USCIS dated after March 23, 2023.

AI Discussion

Me: It's about the USCIS announcing that certain COVID-related flexibilities that were put in place in 2020 to address the pandemic will end on March 23, 2023. This includes deadlines for things like requests for evidence and other notices.

Friend: Wow, that's really soon. What implications does this have?

Me: Well, this means that those applying for immigration benefits will need to meet the deadlines listed in their notices or requests, otherwise they could be denied or have their applications revoked. There are still some case-by-case flexibilities available, but they need to be requested. Additionally, applicants who wish to file an appeal or motion regarding a decision dated after March 23, 2023, will need to comply with the deadlines in the form instructions.

Action items

Review the Immigration Relief in Emergencies or Unforeseen Circumstances webpage to understand the remaining case-by-case flexibilities.
Respond to any notices or requests from USCIS dated after March 23 by the deadlines listed in the notice or request.
File Form I-290B or Form N-336 regarding a decision dated after March 23, 2023, by the deadlines in the form instructions.

Technical terms

USCIS: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal agency responsible for administering immigration benefits.
Request for Evidence: A request from USCIS for additional information or evidence to support an application or petition.
Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14): A form used to request additional evidence from an applicant or petitioner.
Notice of Intent to Deny: A notice from USCIS informing an applicant or petitioner that their application or petition is being denied.
Notice of Intent to Revoke: A notice from USCIS informing an applicant or petitioner that their application or petition is being revoked.
Notice of Intent to Rescind: A notice from USCIS informing an applicant or petitioner that their application or petition is being rescinded.
Notice of Intent to Terminate regional centers: A notice from USCIS informing a regional center that their application or petition is being terminated.
Notice of Intent to Withdraw Temporary Protected Status: A notice from USCIS informing an applicant or petitioner that their Temporary Protected Status is being withdrawn.
Motions to Reopen an N-400: A motion to reopen an application for naturalization.
Receipt of Derogatory Information After Grant: A notice from USCIS informing an applicant or petitioner that they have received derogatory information after their application or petition has been granted.
Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion: A form used to appeal or file a motion regarding a decision made by USCIS.
Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings (Under Section 336 of the INA): A form used to request a hearing on a decision made by USCIS in naturalization proceedings.
Immigration Relief in Emergencies or Unforeseen Circumstances: A webpage on the USCIS website that provides information about remaining case-by-case flexibilities.
Reproduced Signatures: A policy allowing applicants and petitioners to reproduce signatures on certain documents.